Preliminary Findings of Rugezi Wetland Biodiversity Research Reveal its Global Importance
The Rwandan Wildlife Conservation Association (RWCA), in collaboration with the Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA), has released preliminary results from the first in-depth biodiversity research conducted in the Rugezi Wetland in Rwanda.
The research highlighted the global significance of the Rugezi Wetland, stressing the urgent need for conservation efforts. Faustin Munyazikwiye, REMA’s Deputy Director General, emphasized that the Rwandan government implemented a four-year rehabilitation program from 2006 to 2010 to protect the wetland, a move that has proven essential for its preservation.
He stated, “Had the government not made those decisions, we wouldn’t have this positive story today. This wetland is vital not only for water filtration but also holds international importance.”
Munyazikwiye further explained that a team is working to revisit areas of the wetland that are not yet protected, with a goal of integrating local communities into the restoration process.
Dr. Olivier Nsengimana, founder and Executive Director of RWCA, elaborated on how the research was conducted in partnership with the government and other stakeholders. He pointed out that 99% of the research team was Rwandan, alongside one Kenyan researcher and a group of university professors.
“This research was possible due to strong partnerships, including support from the Rwandan Government, National Geographic Society, researchers, local leaders, and especially the communities with their deep knowledge of the area. This demonstrates that environmental conservation cannot succeed without local participation,” Nsengimana said.
He also emphasized the research’s contribution to building a new generation of young researchers and environmental conservationists.
Coinciding with the release of initial research findings, an event dubbed ‘Rugezi Marsh Unveiled’ was held on Saturday, September 21, 2024. The event showcased preliminary results and outlined future plans for managing Rugezi’s unique biodiversity.
Munyazikwiye expressed the Rwandan government’s appreciation for the collaboration with organizations like RWCA, stating, “RWCA’s research on biodiversity not only enriched our knowledge of Rugezi but also boosted the capacity of Rwandan researchers. The findings are a source of pride and underscore the importance of protecting Rugezi for future generations.”
He also reminded attendees of the 2001-2002 power crisis caused by mismanagement of the Rugezi Wetland, which had supplied water to a power plant. In response to the damage, the government made the strategic decision to list the wetland as a Ramsar site in 2005, fully protecting it from unregulated human activities.
In 2023, RWCA partnered with researchers from Rwanda and East Africa to conduct comprehensive research on Rugezi’s biodiversity. The research focused on various species groups, including plants, animals, birds, reptiles, insects, fish, and amphibians.
Preliminary findings revealed 638 different species, including 433 previously undocumented in the Rugezi Wetland. Additionally, two species never before recorded in Rwanda were discovered: a lake caddisfly (Parapoynx diminutalis) and a climbing plant (Zehneria tridactyla).
The research identified 14 species listed as globally threatened by the IUCN Red List and several species endemic to the Albertine Rift. Further detailed scientific analysis and more extensive research are planned to deepen understanding of these discoveries.
The study also recorded 14 reptile species, including 8 newly discovered ones, 13 snake species, and 10 new frog species. Additionally, 127 bird species were documented, 28 of which were new records for the wetland.
Rugezi is now home to 222 bird species, thanks to the new findings. Researchers also identified 53 mammal species, including 51 newly documented species, and noted that the wetland hosts 40% of all known flying mammals in Rwanda.
Most of the research team consisted of Rwandan scientists, and the project equipped them with advanced tools for fieldwork, further enhancing their capabilities.